The city of Kinshasa is currently facing a wave of insecurity which is sowing fear among its inhabitants. In recent weeks, many cases of kidnappings have been reported in public transport, in particular in taxis commonly known as “Ketch”. Criminals often use female accomplices to gain the trust of passengers before terrorizing them, stealing their belongings and abandoning them in distress.
Rumors even go so far as to mention organ trafficking organized by the kidnappers. However, government and police authorities claim that no such cases have been recorded after investigations. Despite this, public transport users in Kinshasa live in constant mistrust, fearing to be the next victims of these criminal acts.
Fortunately, over the weekend, the authorities took action to combat this growing wave of insecurity. Mixed patrols involving different security services have been set up, as well as checkpoints to track down criminals. These measures have already borne fruit with the arrest of several alleged perpetrators of these kidnappings. Among them are 23 armed civilians, including 6 young women, as well as 4 police officers. The security forces also seized 3 cars, 7 motorcycles, 5 machetes, a rifle and balaclavas.
These individuals were brought before the courts and sentenced to death, with the exception of one defendant who received a two-year suspended prison sentence. This action demonstrates the will of the authorities to deal with this scourge and to ensure the safety of the citizens of Kinshasa.
However, it is important to remain vigilant and take extra precautions when using public transport in Kinshasa. It is advisable to avoid taking unofficial taxis and prefer reputable taxi companies. In addition, it is recommended to travel in a group and to remain attentive to your surroundings.
The fight against insecurity in Kinshasa is a complex challenge that requires cooperation between the authorities, the police and civil society. It is essential to put in place preventive measures, such as awareness campaigns and reinforced surveillance systems, in order to deter criminals and guarantee the safety of the inhabitants of the city.
In conclusion, the growing insecurity in Kinshasa is a worrying problem, but actions have been taken to deal with it. Mixed patrols and the arrests of suspected criminals show the determination of the authorities to fight against this scourge. However, it is important to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure your own safety while traveling in the city